Fort Pitt Regiment will start play in the Midwest Region’s Great Lakes Conference this summer, giving PA West Soccer elite adult players the opportunity to continue to play and develop.

“This new and exciting venture provides a higher level of competition for our older youth and young adult players,” said PA West Soccer President Natalie Schwoeble. “We are very proud to be the first state association in the country to sponsor an NPSL team.”

PA West Soccer also wants to inspire the next generation of players with its team, partnering with YESsoccer to offer community soccer camps this summer.

"We recognize that community engagement and player development are basic to our mission," said Fort Pitt Regiment's Executive Director, Tim McCoy. "We've partnered with YESsoccer because they have a track record of operating high-quality camps around the country."

YESsoccer is an international soccer staffing company serving clubs across the U.S., including Chicago Fire Soccer Club of Major League Soccer.

“We want to help our players improve, whether that means going from being a sub to a starter, from one of the starting 11 to All-American, or making the jump from the college game to the pros,” McCoy concluded. “In addition to developing players, as a USSF state association, we also have a mission to grow the sport. The addition of the team in Pittsburgh is another step toward making the game more visible in a market that has a heritage with the game. Our success could provide a road map for other state associations."